First introduced in 2003, the Volkswagen Touran is essentially based on a stretched fifth generation Golf. The car was launched as part of Volkswagen's foray into the compact MPV segment to fill the gap below its larger brethren, the Sharan.
Being one of the most popular MPVs in Singapore, a new variant of the Touran joins the lineup, bringing with it a host of alluring features and expanding the range from which consumers are able to choose from.
The Touran is available in three variants locally, and the new Touran Comfort, which features the same 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger engine found in its counterparts, slots in between the Touran 1.4 TSI and the Touran 1.4 Sport TSI.
Exterior
Looking much like its carbon copies, the Touran Comfort sports the crisp family look shared with most of the cars in VW's range.
The front facet of the car features the distinctive trademark grille design, familiar swept back headlights, and wide lower air intake that make the car look well poised as a stylish people carrier.
Being one of the most popular MPVs in Singapore, a new variant of the Touran joins the lineup, bringing with it a host of alluring features and expanding the range from which consumers are able to choose from.
The Touran is available in three variants locally, and the new Touran Comfort, which features the same 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger engine found in its counterparts, slots in between the Touran 1.4 TSI and the Touran 1.4 Sport TSI.
Exterior
Looking much like its carbon copies, the Touran Comfort sports the crisp family look shared with most of the cars in VW's range.
The front facet of the car features the distinctive trademark grille design, familiar swept back headlights, and wide lower air intake that make the car look well poised as a stylish people carrier.
At the rear, the equally familiar taillights also seen in the Sharan complete the metropolitan look.
If there was something prominent that differentiated the Touran Comfort from the base variant of the Touran, it would have to be the silver anodised roof rails which are affixed onto the roof, giving it a unique sense of style.
17-inch 'Oakland' alloys also come as standard on the Touran Comfort, enhancing the handsome looks of the car, compared to smaller 16-inchers on the base variant.
Interior
At one quick glance, the cabin looks and feels familiar with the usual dials, trip computer and central display which you can find in the Touran. But upon a second look, you will be able to spot the difference, thanks to new exciting features.
Compared to the Touran, the Touran Comfort sports a new multi-functional steering wheel that allows you to have things such as audio control, convenience settings and trip information literally at your fingertips.
The centre console of the Touran Comfort also sports a new 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen multimedia system that belts out your favourite hits as you drive along, coupled with a Rear Assist reverse camera that is available as an added amenity.
The layout of the cabin is user-friendly and sensible. Controls on the dashboard and instrument panel are simple to operate and there are plenty of useful storage areas such as extra bottle holders in large door bins which add to much needed convenience.
At one quick glance, the cabin looks and feels familiar with the usual dials, trip computer and central display which you can find in the Touran. But upon a second look, you will be able to spot the difference, thanks to new exciting features.
Compared to the Touran, the Touran Comfort sports a new multi-functional steering wheel that allows you to have things such as audio control, convenience settings and trip information literally at your fingertips.
The centre console of the Touran Comfort also sports a new 6.5-inch LCD touchscreen multimedia system that belts out your favourite hits as you drive along, coupled with a Rear Assist reverse camera that is available as an added amenity.
The layout of the cabin is user-friendly and sensible. Controls on the dashboard and instrument panel are simple to operate and there are plenty of useful storage areas such as extra bottle holders in large door bins which add to much needed convenience.
Having a configurable formation of seats, there's no denying the flexibility on offer with the option of carrying more people or cargo with a generous load capacity of 1,913 litres.
Legroom is excellent in the centre row and these seats can be stowed away or removed completely to provide for more cargo space.
While seats six and seven are reasonably spacious, we reckon that kids or teenagers will be more comfortable here.
On the brighter side of things, thanks to the large panoramic sunroof - something that the base variant lacked - the cabin of the Touran Comfort exudes a lively and airy ambience which is a welcome environment for a joyful ride.
Legroom is excellent in the centre row and these seats can be stowed away or removed completely to provide for more cargo space.
While seats six and seven are reasonably spacious, we reckon that kids or teenagers will be more comfortable here.
On the brighter side of things, thanks to the large panoramic sunroof - something that the base variant lacked - the cabin of the Touran Comfort exudes a lively and airy ambience which is a welcome environment for a joyful ride.
The Drive
The popular 1.4-litre TSI engine from VDub lies under the hood of this compact people carrier. Generating 140bhp and 220Nm of torque, this modest powerplant packs adequate punch for nifty overtaking on the highways even with full attendance on board.
Mated to a smooth seven-speed DSG transmission, the Touran Comfort gets from zero to 100km/h in an impressive 9.5 seconds, though we felt that it was much quicker in reality.
Manual override is also available for those who like some fun, but we felt that the transmission serves well enough when left to its own devices.
With that heavy right foot of ours on the pedal, we were able to achieve a fuel consumption figure of 9km/L, so we reckon the claimed figure of 15.2km/L should not be hard to achieve with some frugal driving habits.
The steering is fluid and well weighted, too, feeling suitably light around town, yet weighting up reassuringly as the speed increases.
The popular 1.4-litre TSI engine from VDub lies under the hood of this compact people carrier. Generating 140bhp and 220Nm of torque, this modest powerplant packs adequate punch for nifty overtaking on the highways even with full attendance on board.
Mated to a smooth seven-speed DSG transmission, the Touran Comfort gets from zero to 100km/h in an impressive 9.5 seconds, though we felt that it was much quicker in reality.
Manual override is also available for those who like some fun, but we felt that the transmission serves well enough when left to its own devices.
With that heavy right foot of ours on the pedal, we were able to achieve a fuel consumption figure of 9km/L, so we reckon the claimed figure of 15.2km/L should not be hard to achieve with some frugal driving habits.
The steering is fluid and well weighted, too, feeling suitably light around town, yet weighting up reassuringly as the speed increases.
There is a good balance between comfort and cornering ability when it comes to handling the Touran Comfort. Although it doesn't change direction quite as keenly as some sportier alternatives (it doesn't need to), it always feels stable and composed with body roll kept in check, thus preventing passengers from feeling uncomfortable.
Conclusion
The Touran Comfort can seat up to seven in its comfortable and practical cabin and feels very well bolted together. It's a well refined car to drive and a good performer for its size.
More notably, the Touran Comfort emits a CO2 emission figure of just 154g/km, qualifying it for a $5,000 CEVS rebate.
So if you are looking for a people carrier that offers plenty of versatility and incurs low running costs, the Volkswagen Touran Comfort may just be your answer.
Conclusion
The Touran Comfort can seat up to seven in its comfortable and practical cabin and feels very well bolted together. It's a well refined car to drive and a good performer for its size.
More notably, the Touran Comfort emits a CO2 emission figure of just 154g/km, qualifying it for a $5,000 CEVS rebate.
So if you are looking for a people carrier that offers plenty of versatility and incurs low running costs, the Volkswagen Touran Comfort may just be your answer.
